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All information is drawn from or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.

The Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford houses one of the largest aviation collections in the United Kingdom.

It is home to 70 aircraft and War Planes, Missiles, Transport & Training and Research & Development collections. The National Cold War Exhibition with its interactive kiosks and hotspots offers visitors the opportunity to see what life was like behind the Iron Curtain.

Venue Type:

70 historic aircraft are displayed in three fully heated wartime hangars and within the National Cold War Exhibition. The collection spans over 90 years of aviation history from the first crossing of the channel in 1909 and the first civil transport flight in August 1919, to Polaris, lately Britain's nuclear deterrent.

Collection details

Exhibition details are listed below, you may need to scroll down to see them all.

Exhibition (temporary)

Pilots of the Caribbean - Volunteers of African Heritage in the RAF

6 October 2014 — 31 October 2015 *on now

In two World Wars black people from the Caribbean, Africa and Britain volunteered to serve in the Royal Air Force. These volunteers fought and died for their mother country and for freedom, and thereby helped to preserve the values and the heritage they shared with their white comrades. The tradition of service to the Crown continues today.

This new exhibition at Cosford has been curated in partnership with Black Cultural Archives. It tells the inspirational story of these volunteers, commemorating and celebrating their vital contribution to the defence of Britain during two World Wars and the subsequent peace.

Website

Shropshire Scale Model Show

12 April 2015

Thousands of modelling fans from across the country are expected to descend on the RAF Museum Cosford for the annual Shropshire Modellers' Show. On Sunday 12 April 2015, intricately detailed models will be on display against a backdrop of aircraft in the Museum's hangars.

There will be in the region of 70 model clubs attending the show plus some 40 traders selling everything you need to build the perfect model whether it be a tank, car or boat.

The show is being organised by the Shropshire Scale Modellers and will be open to the public from 10:00am until 4:00pm.

Admission to the Model Show is free of charge. A free park and ride system will operate from the Cosford train station car park. Normal parking charges apply on the museum grounds.

Suitable for

Website

Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.

Workshop, club or activity

Spot the Slang Trail

28 March — 10 April 2015 *on now

The First World War brought together service personnel from different countries and backgrounds. Slang words were used to help people to describe some of their experiences and this new trail will help families work together and learn some of the terms used.

The Spot the Slang trail costs £1.00 and the word definitions can be found amongst the exhibits on site during a visit. Trails can be purchased from the Visitor Centre on arrival at the museum.

Website

Easter Activities: Bird Gliders

This school holiday we are taking inspiration from our ‘feathered’ flying friends with an activity entitled ‘Bird Gliders’.

Families are invited to join us in Hangar 1 to colour and make your own bird glider. On completion, see how well your glider flies by trying to land it on the roundel target zone.

The bird glider activity costs £2.00 per person and all materials will be supplied. It will take place in Hangar 1 from 11.30am to 3.30pm and tickets can be purchased from the Visitor Centre on arrival.

Admission

£2 per person.

Website

Shropshire Scale Model Show

12 April 2015 10am-4pm

Thousands of modelling fans from across the country are expected to descend on the RAF Museum Cosford for the annual Shropshire Modellers' Show. On Sunday 12 April 2015, intricately detailed models will be on display against a backdrop of aircraft in the Museum's hangars.

There will be in the region of 70 model clubs attending the show plus some 40 traders selling everything you need to build the perfect model whether it be a tank, car or boat.

The show is being organised by the Shropshire Scale Modellers and will be open to the public from 10:00am until 4:00pm.

Admission to the Model Show is free of charge. A free park and ride system will operate from the Cosford train station car park. Normal parking charges apply on the museum grounds.

Website

Bike 4 Life Fest 2015

Bike 4 Life Fest is set to return on Sunday 26 April 2015 with over 3000 bikers and enthusiasts expected at the biggest free biking event in the Midlands.

As with previous year’s, the Ride Out will start at Meole Brace and then head over to RAF Museum Cosford for a fantastic festival that is not to be missed.

The event will include displays and exhibitions from some of the best manufacturers in the UK as well as groups and organisations that promote road safety and how to get the most from your biking experience.

The event is promoting road safety. Backed by some of the biggest biker organisations, dealerships and suppliers in the UK, you will have the chance to meet the crew from Midlands Air Ambulance, join in with special motorbike displays, buy souvenirs and enjoy live music and good food.

Admission

The ride out costs £5.00 to take part and registration is open now.

Website

Open Cockpits Evening (Fri)

15 May 2015 From 6pm

This exclusive evening will commence at 6:00pm on Friday 15 May with a wide range of aircraft available for closer viewing on the night including; transport aircraft, jet fighters and unique research airframes. Visitors will be able to get a feel for what it was like to fly these much love machines and in addition, have after-hours access to the Museum.

Suitable for

Any age

Admission

Tickets cost £12.50 per person for Lancaster Members and Non-Members. Lightning Members tickets cost £10.00 per person. (a booking fee of 50 pence per ticket applies)

Tickets for this event will go on sale via the website on Tuesday 3 February 2015.

Website

Open Cockpits Evening (Sat)

16 May 2015 From 6pm

Tying in with Museums at night, this exclusive evening will commence at 6:00pm on Saturday 16 May with a wide range of aircraft available for closer viewing on the night including; transport aircraft, jet fighters and unique research airframes. Visitors will be able to get a feel for what it was like to fly these much love machines and in addition, have after-hours access to the Museum.

Admission

Admission is by advance ticket only and the numbers are limited to 300 people, enabling enthusiasts to spend as much time as possible examining these wondrous aircraft.

Tickets cost £12.50 per person for Lancaster Members and Non-Members. Lightning Members tickets cost £10.00 per person. (a booking fee of 50 pence per ticket applies)

Tickets for this event will go on sale via the website on Tuesday 3 February 2015.

Website

Royal Air Force Cosford Air Show

14 June 2015

The RAF Cosford Air Show is the Midlands premier air event which offers non-stop entertainment both in the air with displays from a variety of aircraft and on the ground with hundreds of exhibits, stalls, trade stands, military demonstrations and children's entertainment.

Suitable for

Family friendly

Admission

Tickets cost £22.00 for an adult with children under 16 free, when accompanied by an adult.

Website

Large Model Aircraft Rally

18 — 19 July 2015

Hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft will be taking to the skies at the annual Large Model Aircraft Rally. Taking place on the airfield, this famous air show in miniature is an absolute must for any aviation enthusiast.

Visitors will be able to see a whole range of models designed, built and flown by members of the Large Model Association from bi-planes to modern day jets. From a distance in the skies, the models truly look like the real thing!

Suitable for

Family friendly

Website

Cosford Food Festival

25 — 26 July 2015

This fantastic event is set to return on the weekend of the 25 & 26 July 2015. A whole host of independent food and drink suppliers from across Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands will be exhibiting a wide range of local, fresh and handmade produce.

With cooking demonstrations, food and drink giveaways and entertainment taking place over the weekend, it is sure to be a great day out.

Website

Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all.

Face to face resources

Citizenship

The focus of this workshop is co-operation and understanding between the students. The starting point can be varied to suit the needs of the group but the students are asked to consider the views and opinions of others.Propaganda relating to WWII is a popular starting point, asking the students to identify the differences between advertising and propaganda. They get the opportunity to study real examples and produce their own poster.There is no charge for this workshop.

Face to face resources

Art

There are opportunities for students to study and observe the aircraft and artefacts held in the museum. Each visit can be structured to suit the needs of the individual school/college.

Paper-based and downloads

Cosford Calculations

This is a series of worksheets and activity sheets designed to compliment the requirements of the Mathematics curriculum and the National Numeracy Strategy. The activities are based on the artefacts and aircraft at the museum. This workshop can be led by school or museum staff. The length of the session will be dependent on the activities chosen.

There is a charge of £3.00 for the resource book.

Paper-based and downloads

GNVQ Leisure & Tourism / Customer Care & Marketing

A resource booklet designed to support the requirements of the course. The booklet contains material relating to the RAF Museum and so enables ‘ real-life ‘situations to be explored. There is a charge of £3.00 (including postage and packing) for this booklet.

Paper-based and downloads

GNVQ Travel & Tourism / Human Resources

A resource booklet designed to support the requirements of the course. The booklet contains material relating to the RAF Museum and so enables ‘ real-life ‘situations to be explored. There is a charge of £3.00 (including postage and packing) for this booklet.

Face to face resources

Let’s Fly

A session designed to give the children an insight into the various roles and operations that take place within an airport. This will include security, passport control, weighing baggage and ticket collection.The children will take part in role-play situations. Prior to the visit the children will need to have made an individual passport to bring to the museum.The session ends with the children boarding our BAC 1-11 aeroplane. Once on board the children will learn about meals, emergency procedures and have the opportunity to view the cockpit.This workshop will last 45 –60 minutes. There is no charge for this workshop.

Face to face resources

Lift off to Literacy

This is a series of worksheets and activity sheets designed to compliment the requirements of the English curriculum and the National Literacy Strategy.The activities are based on the artefacts and aircraft at the museum. This workshop can be led by school or museum staff. The length of the session will be dependent on the activities chosen. There is a charge of £3.00 for the resource book.

Face to face resources

Numeracy Trail

This adult led activity is centered on Hangars 2 and 3. Children need to work in groups of 5/6 with an adult helper. Prior to the visit schools would be sent copies of the trail and the children’s worksheets. The aim of this trail is for the children to use their mathematical skills in a different environment. Museum staff would prepare the trail prior to the visit. All the equipment needed on the day (with the exception of the worksheets) will be supplied by the museum. This activity will take approximately 45 – 55 minutes to complete. There is no charge for this activity.

Face to face resources

Rocket Science

This workshop enables each child to design and make a realistic rocket and launch it safely. The rockets are propelled using a unique electrically-controlled compressed air launcher. This workshop can be held indoors or outdoors and lasts 45-60 minutes. There is a charge of £15.00 per 30 children.

Face to face resources

Science Activity Days (KS1)

During the day the children will experience two science / D&T based workshops – parachutes and helicopters. During each workshop children will have the opportunity of working with a variety of materials. Each workshop lasts 50 – 60 minutes.

Face to face resources

Science Activity Days (KS2/3)

During the day the children will experience two science / D&T based workshops. Schools are able to choose two from the following: Rockets; Buggies and Gliders.Each workshop lasts 45 minutes. There is a charge of £1:00 per child for this activity.

Face to face resources

Shopping on a ration

Introducing the children to the idea of rationing and that people in World War II had to get used to eating different kinds of food.During the session the children will get the opportunity to do their own shopping. They will be given a ‘ration book’ and have the chance to visit different ‘shops’ to buy their goods. Each child has a number of ration coupons to spend and can decide what to buy. Once the goods are bought the children glue their goods into their ‘store cupboards’. This session requires the adult helpers to support the children when buying their goods.The workshop will last 30-40 minutes. There is no charge for this workshop.

Face to face resources

World War Two evacuee's experience

An opportunity for children to gain an insight into life in school in late 1939.During this workshop the children will make a gas mask box and complete a national registration card. The children will experience the sounds of an air raid siren and falling bombs and evacuate into an Anderson shelter constructed within the confines of the Education room.Other aspects of Wartime life can be included - rationing, propaganda, handling a collection of artefacts and uniforms. Schools can determine the actual content of each session. This workshop will last for 50 –60 minutes. There is a charge of £1.50 per child for this workshop.